When it comes to beauty and makeup, one of the first things we like to focus on are the eyes. A dynamic, well-done eye look will instantly make you look glamorous, regardless of whether or not you decide to go through with the rest of your makeup routine. High-end department store brands of makeup have some seriously amazing eye products that everyone loves, and it can be a little bit harder to find the same quality in a drugstore product. But, it’s not impossible to find a few things that are highly comparable. And with that, I have for you lovely pageant ladies some amazing drugstore steals for your eyes.

Step One: Eye Primer

A flawless eye-makeup look starts with priming the eyes. And eye-shadow primer is a must if you want your makeup to last throughout the day and look just as impeccable at the end of the end as in the morning. It’s especially important if it’s a beauty pageant day and you want to keep that eye makeup in place when you’re under a spotlight for most of the day. My favorite drugstore eye primer is the NYX High Definition Eyeshadow Base. This product is incredible for a drugstore find and it will keep your eye-shadow in place all day long. You won’t get any tell-tale creasing or wearing off, and your makeup won’t budge. Just remember to let the base dry completely before putting on the rest of your eye makeup!

Step Two:Eye Shadow

Now once you’ve primed your eyes, the obvious next step is to apply your shadow. Finding a good drugstore eye shadow is tricky, because many of them are too powdery and don’t stay in place. Because you’ve already put on a primer, it’s not too big of an issue, you still want the best quality you can find on a budget. And it’s always a better deal if you can find a palette that you like rather than buying the individual shades. Palettes are also put together with shades that generally go well together, so that gives you one less things to worry about. One of the best drugstore eye shadow palettes by far is the Sonia Kashuk Eye Couture Eye on Neutral Matte. All of the shades in this palette are highly pigmented and will work well on just about any skin tone. Additionally, while these are pressed powders, the application is creamy and smooth, and it’s super blendable. You get twelve gorgeous shades in this palette so overall, it’s an incredible deal. I also recommend the Sonia Kashuk brushes as well, which are great if you’re on a budget.

Step Three:Eyeliner

For me, eyeliner is an absolute must. If I do nothing else with my makeup, I will at least apply an eyeliner. Eyeliners instantly widen and brighten the eyes, adding depth to any look you create. You can simply tight-line the eyes by applying a pencil eyeliner along your upper and lower waterline, you can create a winged look with a liquid eyeliner, or smudge it out for a bit of a smoky eye effect. It’s always good to have one pencil and one liquid eyeliner on hand. I use a liquid liner on my eyelid, and I use the pencil eyeliner for tight-lining and smudging along my lower lash line. Black eyeliner creates a bold look, which is great if you’re on stage for a pageant and want your eyes to pop, but brown eyeliner creates a soft, more subdued look when you want to look a bit more natural. My favorite liquid eyeliner is the L’Oreal Infalliable Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner. The felt-tip makes for easy application, and though felt-tipped liners have the tendency to dry out quickly, this one will last quite a while. You get an intense color pay off and the pigment won’t fade away or bleed. As for pencil eyeliners, L’Oreal is a winner again, with their L’Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Eyeliner Pencil. This product is incredibly pigmented, and black shade is super intense, which is exactly what you want if you’re going for a black liner. It’s got a creamy formula as well, so it glides smoothly along the eye without tugging. It also has a smudger on one end of the product so that you can smudge it out for that smoky look.

Step Four: Mascara (+ Eyelash Curler)

Eyelash curlers aren’t entirely necessary for a day-to-day basis, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t useful. Eyelash curlers open up the eye and make the lashes look longer and give them that extra help curling them when mascara alone isn’t doing the trick. ELF Mechanical Eyelash Curler is a great one to use, and it’s such a bargain at only $1. Next, it’s time for mascara. Mascara can do any number of things include adding depth, volume, curl, and length to your lashes. One of the best drugstore mascaras, in my opinion, is the Maybelline Volum’ Express Falsies Flared. The curled brush helps fan out the lashes and increases volume while adding depth and dimension to the eyes. I like using a waterproof formula the best, so that it doesn’t wear off throughout the day. Tip: You can easily remove waterproof makeup with olive oil, which quickly breaks down the product.

Recently, matte lipsticks have been making a huge comeback. There’s a world of possibilities with this opaque, gloss-free formula, from subtle and understated to a bold, statement lip. Matte lipsticks are perfect for any occasion, whether that may be a beauty pageant night to showcase a bright, friendly smile or to complete a casual day-to-day look. The formula for a matte lipstick isn’t easy to perfect, but I have a few brands that will give you the perfect matte lip.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

These lip pencils are truly incredible. While it is high-end, the finish is well worth it. As stated in the name, this product is actually a big, crayon-like pencil, which allows easy application. It glides on smoothly and easily without dragging along the lips. While some matte lipsticks have the tendency to dry out the lips and have the potential to appear cakey, this lip pencil really does have a velvety feel on the lips. It is enriched with Vitamin E, which makes it amazingly moisturizing, and it lasts for hours without feathering or bleeding. The range of colors in this line is amazing too– there are 19 beautifully pigmented shades to choose from. From the subtle nude called Belle de Jour to the classic red called Cruella, which is perfect for the winter months, you won’t be disappointed with your options. It can also be layered with other lipsticks to create a multi-dimensional, bold look if you’re looking to make a statement on the pageant stage. All in all, I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality lip product with lots of possibilities.

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Mattes

Maybelline has a relatively new line of matte lipsticks that are definitely more affordable, but still deliver a great matte finish. Unlike the Nars Lip Pencil, this line is comprised of proper lipsticks. At ten shades, the line is about half as small the above line, but there is still a great variety in shades. There are a couple nudes such as the Daringly Nude, a couple bright, fun purples and pinks, and a few deep reds such as Divine Wine for the upcoming season as well. So, no matter your skin-tone and undertones, you’ll be sure to find a flattering shade in this line. Once again, as the name states, these truly do have a creamy texture similar to that of regular, glossy lipsticks, which is always a plus because it won’t leave your lips feeling dry. This formula is nourishing and applies smoothly, with no need to worry about it smudging or rubbing off easily. The color pay-off of this line is also incredible. Every shade is opaque and beautifully pigmented. You certainly won’t be disappointed with this line.

BONUS – Tips for applying matte lipsticks:

When applying a matte lipstick, it’s important to properly prep your lips beforehand to ensure long-lasting wear and a beautiful finish. It all starts the night before, by applying a thick lip balm to soak in and moisturize those lips, leaving them smooth and soft. Before applying the lipstick, be sure to exfoliate your lips with a sugary lip scrub to get rid of dry skin that can make even the best of lipsticks appear flaky and unflattering, and then apply a light layer of lip balm. Give this a few minutes to absorb, because the formula in matte lipsticks may cause the product to slide around on your lips and rub off when combined directly with lip balm. Once you’ve let the lip balm absorb, apply your matte lipstick for the center of your upper lips and outward, tracing the shape of your lips, then applying it on your bottom lip. Finally, be sure to blot of any excess lipstick to ensure it doesn’t bleed out or end up on your teeth.

Tell us about your favorite shades of matte lipstick for this fall and winter!

Craving new budget-friendly beauty products? Well, Beauty on a Budget is back, and this time we’re focusing on blush! Here are our top five picks to give your cheeks a gorgeous, rosy glow. Explore, try, and keep on smiling! :)

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush

Launched in the 1980s, this blush has been a hit ever since. It comes in a variety of shades perfect for any skin tone. Their most versatile color, “Natural Rose,” looks good on both dark and light skin. Additionally, this blush is great for oily skin, as its powdery consistency blends seamlessly into the skin.

Milani Minerals Blush

This blush is great for those with sensitive skin; it’s talc-free, non-irritating, and mineral-based. It is available in four beautiful shades that are long lasting and easy to apply. They give cheeks a nice, natural glow. One reviewer even claims they are the drugstore version of the coveted Nars blushes!

L’Oreal True Match Blush

A repeat winner of InStyle’s Best Inexpensive Powder Blush; this blush is loved for its large selection based on whether your skin tone is warm, neutral, or cool. The formula is non-comedogenic and oil-free, which means it’s perfect for those who are more acne-prone, as it won’t cause breakouts. Furthermore, its silky texture lends a luminous glow to skin.

Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush

Although powder blushes are usually more popular than cream ones, cream blushes nevertheless have their place. Great for those with dry skin or who truly want to mimic a natural blush, cream blushes are a wonderful alternative to powder. This cream blush is loved for its lasting power and its great pigmentation. It will last the day and keep you glowing!

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Blush

Physicians Formula is always a go-to drugstore brand, and their blush is no exception! The blush gives a beautiful, luminous finish that instantly brightens your complexion. The color is buildable, and application is a pinch. The packaging is also adorable as it comes in a handy compact and the blush has cute little hearts engraved into it!

We are well on are way into summer, and I hope you lovely pageant ladies are finding some time to treat yourselves and relax! This month I have been testing out sunscreens and bronzers, as I have never truly found one that I have fallen in love with. So here are my favorite products for June, chockfull of summery fun! :)

1. Tory Burch: Perfume

Tory Burch recently came out with its first ever perfume. I was curious, and with its beautiful packaging why not give it a try? It was love at first sniff! The perfume is perfect for spring and summer as it is light and sweet, but has the right amount of depth. This combination makes it the perfect perfume to take from night to day. I have trouble sticking with one scent, but added this one to my rotation. I absolutely love it, and what pageant girl does not want to smell divine for her pageant?

2. Too Faced: Chocolate Soleil Medium/Deep Matte Bronzer

Talk about yummy! This bronzer smells like chocolate! Additionally, the bronzer’s consistency is soft and creamy making application a dream. A little goes a long way, especially with my fairer complexion, but I felt it gave my skin a natural sun-kissed look. Furthermore, the bronzer is very buildable, which gives it great versatility should you tan more as the summer progresses. Give this delicious smelling bronzer a try, and you’ll definitely look like a bronzed goddess for your pageant!

3. Dr. Hauschka: Cleansing Milk

I recently wrote a blog post on organic beauty brands (*hint*), and decided to sample one of the products mentioned. I have absolutely fallen in love with it! Most cleansers are way too drying for my skin, and I end up breaking out or having dry skin. I switched to this all-organic cleanser and have never been happier. It is soft and creamy, and leaves my skin feeling hydrating. My skin doesn’t feel as though it’s being stripped of all its natural oils, and my overall skin tone has improved. If you want beautiful, pageant-ready skin sans chemicals try this product!

4. SuperGoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50

I sampled Sephora’s Sun Safety Kit, which was chockfull of sunscreens and bronzers to try! One of the sunscreens was this lovely oil. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I ended up really liking it. It’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Although it is an oil, it doesn’t feel greasy. In fact when first applied it makes your skin look dewy and healthy. I prefer it for use on my body to my face, as I am not a huge fan of facial oils to begin with, but how you use it will depend on your preference! Another bonus is that it smells great too! Every pageant girl needs to remember to apply sunscreen to maintain healthy skin!

5. Soap & Glory: Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick

I recently discovered this gloss stick while watching a YouTuber who raved about the product. She said it was moisturizing, plumping, and just the right amount of color. And you know what? She was absolutely right! I have the gloss stick in Fuschia-Ristic, a nice pink color that’s perfect for summer! It also comes in a burgundy berry (Plum Jam) and a natural pink beige color (Nudist). This gloss stick makes lips look plump, full, and luscious. Everything a pageant girl wants to look great for her pageant!

Summer is well underway, and many of us are hitting up the pool or the beach! Summer is the time of year to get that beautiful golden glow for your pageant. However, baking under the sun for hours is not ideal. Luckily, we have bronzer to give us that natural sun-kissed look. Now many may turn to the high-end brands, but I find that anything upwards of $25 is just too much to pay (unless it works crazy well). Yet, many avoid the drugstore brands in fear of looking orange. But worry not! PageantToPhD is here to make sure you get quality for the right price without looking like an Oompa Loompa!

1. NYC: Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny

By far the most popular and widely loved drugstore bronzer, NYC’s Sunny Bronzer was adored for it’s neutral range (it was neither too cool nor warm). Thus, it is versatile on a large array of skin tones. Furthermore, the formula is sheer meaning it is easily buildable should you want a more dramatic look. Additionally, its sheerness equals a more naturally luminous tan. Another bonus? It costs under $4! Great for a pageant girl on a budget!

2. Physician’s Formula: Bronze Booster Physician’s Formula is another popular brand for bronzers, and many of their bronzer formulas were on top drugstore bronzer lists. The Bronze Booster is a collection of tiny, bronzed “sun” stones that you can swirl your brush around to pick up color. This bronzer has good pigmentation with a golden hue, which makes for a perfect, natural pageant look.

Furthermore, you can layer it on top of a deeper bronzer to give it more dimension and glow. Also, don’t forget to check out their Happy Booster Glow and Mineral Wear Face Powder Bronzer.

3. Rimmel London: Natural Bronzer
This bronzer is great for those with fairer complexions! It is a little warmer than NYC’s Sunny, and thus is more flattering on those pageant ladies with lighter skin tones. Furthermore, it acts as both a bronzer and a highlighter, and gives a matte finish with a little oomph. Additionally, it is very smooth and goes on sheer for a gorgeous, luminous glow. Also, check out Rimmel’s Shimmer Maxi Bronzer.

4. E.L.F.: Bronzer

Another great, affordable alternative, the E.L.F. bronzer is under $4 as well! It has a bronze gold hue and is silky, which translates into streak-free and longwearing. Perfect for a long day at your pageant! This bronzer bestows a subtle, sun-kissed radiance to the skin. A great bargain for a naturally tanned look.

Maybelline New York: FIT me! Bronzer

This brand is great because the color is personalized to best fit your skin tone. Thus, when you apply it, it blends beautifully and naturally into the skin. Furthermore, it is long lasting and not prone to fading meaning you will have a wonderful all-day glow. Additionally, the formula is lightweight making for a quick application that won’t feel cakey as the day wears on. Perfect for a pageant girl who needs a bronzer that goes the distance!

The end of May is here and so is another “Favorite Products of the Month!” I am very excited for this month’s products because they have become some of my absolute favorites! From lipsticks to body scrubs this month is packed full of fun, brightly packaged products that will bring a smile to your face. So check’em out and enjoy! :)

1. M.A.C. Lipsticks (Morange, Sunny Seoul, & Candy Yum Yum)
M.A.C. is renowned for its lipsticks, at least among the beauty mavens on YouTube. For a long time I had yet to own any M.A.C. lipsticks, but recently I have been inducted into the M.A.C. lipstick lovers fandom. I recommend that every pageant girl at least owns one or two! These lipsticks are awesome, and they come in such a wide variety it borderlines overwhelming. I was able to narrow down my choices thanks to the YouTubers I follow, and have happily purchased the three colors mentioned in the title.

Morange is a bright orange that seems to just work well on anyone. It fades to a pleasant coral color over the course of the day, and is a great statement lipstick. Candy Yum Yum is another statement lipstick. It’s an in-your-face bright pink that means business. It almost borderlines retro for me, and thus makes it simply amazing. Sunny Seoul is tame compared to the previous two, and is a wonderful pink summery shade. Perfect for applying on the go, it is a great lipstick to have stored on hand at all times! :)

2. Tarte: Smooth Operator™ Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer
Foundation and concealer have never been my friends. I have not used foundation in the last four years and use concealers sparingly. This is because I have an absolutely horrid time trying to find a color that matches my skin tone. I am mixed (Asian and Caucasian); the result is a golden yellow and pink skin tone that borders porcelain and fair depending on the season.

I had almost given up hope when I discovered this concealer by Tarte! It blends nicely into my skin tone, but is ever so slightly lighter, which is great because then it brightens my under eyes. Furthermore, this stuff is waterproof, which translates into staying power. So far I have loved it, and definitely recommend to any pageant girls who struggles with the same skin tone problem I have!

3. Benefit Cosmetics: Gimme Brow
I heard about this product, and was skeptical at first. Then I watched an infomercial (yes a Benefit infomercial), and was somewhat convinced. I took a chance and bought it, and have loved it since. It subtly fills in brows and gives them more volume in the best way possible. They don’t look drawn in, and instead the formula fills in sparse areas to give you a fuller looking brow. A definite must for any pageant ladies that suffer from sparse or thin brows!

4. Soap & Glory: Sugar Crush™ Body Scrub & Flake Away™ Body Polish
May I just say, holey moley these are wonderful! And the smell, it’s to die for! I have tried two of Soap & Glory’s body scrubs (i.e., Sugar Crush™ and Flake Away™). Sugar Crush ™ smells like a margarita minus the alcohol. It is super refreshing and great for summer. Plus it really does work as a great body exfoliator! Flake Away ™ also has a glorious smell, and the smell lasts longer on the skin. Flake Away™ pairs well with The Righteous Body Butter mentioned below. Both come in sample sizes that are reasonably priced, so give them a try! You will smell absolutely fabulous for your pageant!

5. Soap & Glory: The Righteous Body Butter
I tried a sample size of this along with Flake Away™ as my first foray into the Soap & Glory brand. The combination of the two makes you smell simply divine. Furthermore, the body butter is rich and creamy. It leaves your skin baby soft and very hydrated. This will become an after shower staple in my beauty routine. Whether for summer or winter, this lotion is a great way to have beautiful skin for your pageant!

P.S. What were your favorite products this month? I would love to know so comment below! :)

Wondering what budget product we are covering this month? Hint: It’s an important base to every pageant girl’s makeup routine–Foundation! Foundations can get quite expensive and because we use foundation everyday, it can become a burden on the wallet. But do not fear my pageant starlets, beauty on a budget will give you the most for your money. Here below is a list of the top 5 budget foundations. Enjoy! :)

1. Revlon: Nearly Naked Foundation (Pressed Powder & Liquid)
Revlon is a drugstore favorite, and thus it is no surprise that one of their foundations made Beauty on a Budget’s list of top drugstore foundations. This foundation was great for a no-makeup look. Skin looks flawless and the foundation gives light, buildable coverage. Furthermore, reviewers liked Revlon’s Nearly Naked foundation because it was creamy, but not too thick. Perfect for an effortless pageant makeup look!

2. L’Oreal Paris: True Match Foundation By far one of the more popular on the list, L’Oreal Paris’s True Match foundation was a resounding success. The brand comes in 33 different shades categorized by three undertones (i.e., warm, neutral, and cool). Thus, a pageant girl will have no trouble finding the perfect shade! Additionally, they are oil-free, which translates to non-greasy, longer-wear because it is less likely to slough off as the day wears on. The foundation also has medium, buildable coverage meaning you already start off with a good base. Another bonus? This foundation was named InStyle’s Best Inexpensive Foundation for 2013!

3. Revlon: Colorstay Foundation
Out of all the products I discovered during my research, this was by far the most popular. What is the number one reason to love this foundation? It’s staying power! Many reviewers agreed that it lasted up to 12 hours without the foundation rubbing off or transferring on to hands or clothes. This foundation also has a large number of shades to choose from categorized by normal/dry skin or oily/combination skin. Reviewers appear to prefer the latter formula no matter your skin type for it has an amazing matte finish that still looks natural and not powdery. The coverage is also good and the formula blends well into the skin.

4. Neutrogena: Healthy Skin Foundation (Enhancer & Liquid)
Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Foundation came in a variety of types from sheers to compacts. However, every incarnation of the Healthy Skin Foundation was loved for different reasons.

The Skin Enhancer formula was loved because it had retinol and SPF protection, both of which are great for enhancing and protecting skin. The coverage is sheer to medium, and it acts a good tinted moisturizer.

The liquid foundation is the most popular and gave reviewers a glowy, dewy finish without being cakey. Furthermore, it was hydrating and helped even skin tone without being too heavy on the skin making it perfect for winter or summer. This brand is best for drier skin, as it is very moisturizing, and it may need to be set with powder if it looks too dewy. Also, don’t expect full coverage with this brand, and keep in mind a limited color range may lead to mixing two different shades. Despite these shortcomings, the liquid foundation was nonetheless loved for keeping its promise and making skin look healthy!

6. CoverGirl: Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
This brand was popular for the fact that one could skip priming and concealing the skin and go straight to the foundation (3-in-1)! Because of its priming and concealing properties, the foundation has pretty full coverage, so you won’t need to build on the first layer. It dries to a nice matte, but non-powdery, finish. Furthermore, it has lasting power (up to 9 hours)! The only critique is that it sometimes dries a shade or two darker than when originally applied.

I cannot believe March is already coming to an end! Time sure does fly, but the end of the month means another favorite products of the month blog! Hopefully you will try, and enjoy these products as much as I have. Here’s to another month of favorites! :)

1. Stila: Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Illuminating Beauty Balm

I love this product! I wore this BB cream, and a woman said that my skin was glowing! In addition to giving you a lit-from-within glow, it also provides sun protection with broad spectrum SPF 30. It has a thin consistency, and blends well giving you a beautiful dewy finish. However, I would not recommend the product if you have oily skin, as it can give you a little shine. Despite that, it is perfect if you don’t need a ton of coverage and would like to even out your skin tone and add a little umph to your look. I definitely recommend it for any pageant girl who would love to literally shine on stage! Add a megawatt smile and you’ll simply be glowing! :)

2. Chloé Perfume

I received a mini version of this perfume as a gift, which is always dangerous because perfumes (and scents in general) are a very individual thing. Luckily, I quickly fell in love. The scent is lightweight, and the best part is that it melds with my natural scent very well. It gives me that freshly showered/fresh sheets smell. I absolutely love it, and would highly recommend you try the product! You can go to Nordstrom (or possibly Sephora) and ask for a sample. I think this would be the perfect perfume because it is not overpowering and lends a subtle sexiness to the wearer.

3. Josie Maran: Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée

I had heard about these blushes, and was extremely curious. Especially, now that Josie Maran’s oils and other products have become quite popular recently. I was more than pleasantly surprised. At first the product is a little daunting because it is a pot with a very bright gel in it. However, it applies so smoothly and lightly onto your cheeks and gives you a very natural blush! I have never had a product that gives you such a naturally flushed look. This would be perfect for any pageant girl because it will keep you from accidentally going overboard on the blush. However, you’ll still look bright and cheerful throughout your pageant!

4. Urban Decay: Eyeshadow in Midnight CowboyYes, this eye shadow is super sparkly. Does this mean it will look ridiculous? Nope. In fact, if applied correctly it looks great! Whenever I do not want to put a ton of effort into my makeup I use this eye shadow, and it instantly adds a little glamour to my look. The key is not to apply it above your eyelid crease. Keeping the color below the crease makes the high-sparkle quality of the shadow subtler and only when you blink or close your eyes is it visible. This would be great for a pageant look where you want to focus on the lips, but still want to do something fun for the eyes. :)

5. Too Faced: 3-Way Lash Lining Black EyelinerThis eyeliner is definitely tied with Stila’s stay-all-day liquid liner. When I originally received this eyeliner I was unsure of the unusual brush. However, I ended up falling for it. It gives you flexibility in terms how thick or thin you want your liner to be, thus you can make a bold cat-eye or a subtle one. Although this one does not claim to stay-all day like Stila’s, it nonetheless does! I was pleasantly surprised by the product’s staying power and would definitely repurchase. This would be a great liner for the pageant girl who likes to try new looks!

P.S. What are your favorite products this month? Let me know in the box below! :)

Beauty on a Budget is back with the Mascara Edition! Budget mascaras have flourished and there are some long-standing favorites that every girl should know. Having explored the vast Internet, read reviews, and compared ratings here are the top five budget mascaras that every pageant girl should try! :)

1. Maybelline New York: Volume’ Express Turbo Boost
You have probably seen this mascara pop up quite a few times on this blog, and that’s because it is my personal favorite budget mascara. I own the waterproof version and love it. Smudging is little to nonexistent (at least in my experience) and it isn’t too clumpy either. Although I do not love it as much as Benefit Cosmetic’s They’re Real Mascara, its price and the fact it does a pretty stand up job make it one of my favorites!

2. CoverGirl: Lash Blast Volume
Beauty mavens raved that this is CoverGirl’s best mascara. The mascara does not clump too much and gives lashes definition and length. This was my first mascara, and I loved it growing up. It was not until I could afford to try other brands that I converted. However, if I do have another go-to bargain mascara, CoverGirl’s Lash Blast would definitely be it.3. Physicians Formula:Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara
This mascara is a great option for ladies with sensitive eyes and skin. 47% of this mascara’s ingredients are organic and its eco-friendly packaging is recyclable! However, not only is it good for you and for the environment, but it also works wonders on your lashes. This mascara not only provides length without clumping, but also tons of volume! You can wear this mascara and rest east knowing that it’s free of any harsh chemicals, dyes, and parabens that could cause more harm than good. Plus the packaging is adorable! :)

4. Maybelline New York: Full n’ Soft Washable Mascara
In my research, I went through quite a few different lists of top drugstore mascaras and this one was on more lists than any of the others. Although apparently lacking the drama for an evening out, this mascara is great for any daytime look. It makes lashes appear natural, but also fuller. Additionally, the name doesn’t lie, it truly does make lashes soft and not spikey, as many other mascaras do. The waterproof version also works well, but the non-waterproof formula is great because it comes off easily with no fuss. Foremost, many mascara-lovers are devotees of Maybelline’s Full n’ Soft making it a staple in their makeup routine.

5. L’Oreal Paris: Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
According to proponents this mascara is truly carbon black and gives lashes an intense, “are those real?” look. Additionally, the mascaras consistency is not goopy, but creamy and the full-brush gives lashes clump-free volume. Another bonus? InStyle Magazine named L’Oreal’s Voluminous Mascara as its Best Inexpensive Mascara of 2013.

P.S. What is your favorite drugstore mascara? Comment in the box below and let me know!

February is coming to an end, and I thought it would only be appropriate to list my favorite products of February! Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to discover new, great products to try. Hopefully some of the products below will catch your eye and convince you to give them a go. :) As always, experiment and explore. You could discover a new favorite pageant product!

1. Epsom Salts I was recently converted to Epsom Salt baths when my friend sent me some as part of my birthday gift. Epsom salt baths can help relax your body and relieve muscle pain. Furthermore, Epsom Salts can help eliminate toxins from the body. If possible, take an Epsom Salt bath every night before you go to bed. Light some candles and meditate while you bathe. It will help relieve stress and any tension from the day. You’ll sleep easier and wake up feeling more relaxed and well-rested. A perfect cure after a long day at a pageant! If you’re interested here is some more information on Epsom Salt’s Uses and Benefits.

2. Rose or White Gold Eyeliner Rose gold or white gold eyeliner is the best why to brighten and highlight your eyes! Instead of closing in your eyes with heavy, dark liner use these lighter colors to make your eyes pop for your pageant. Here’s how to do it: 1. Take your regular eyeliner and line the top of your lid as you normally would 2. When lining your lower lid only line halfway 3. If using a pencil smudge your liner to make it appear less harsh 4. Now apply your rose or white gold eyeliner to the inner corner of your eye or along the waterline. 5. Lightly blend and there you have it, beautiful open eyes! :) Still need a little help? Check out the video below to see a demonstration.

3. Tarte LipSurgence “Charmed” I love Tarte’s LipSurgence line! Charmed is a soft pink that is perfect for an everyday look. The formula is creamy and soft with a slight minty tingle. It doesn’t have a bad taste or smell and application is easy. Also, because the color is sheer and slightly shiny you can layer it on for more vibrancy. The color would be great for a pageant interview makeup look because it won’t distract your interviewer, but it still keeps you looking pretty and put together. Lipsurgence has loads of different shades from nudes/pinks to berries/reds. Check them out and pick your favorite!

4. Tarte Finishing PowderDo you ever get those annoying mascara/eyeliner smudges under your eyes by the end of a long day? Although a good waterproof eyeliner and mascara can help prevent this, another layer of protection is finishing powder! After I apply my under-eye cover I dust Tarte’s finishing powder on top to set the cover and create a smooth, dry surface. Thus, by the end of the day I have minimal to nonexistent smudging! This is a great way to make sure that your pageant makeup stays where it should during the length of the contest.

5. Dior Intense Brown Waterproof Eyeliner When I first started getting into makeup I eventually stumbled upon Dior’s waterproof eyeliner, and quickly became addicted. I eventually wondered away from Dior to try other brands, but in the end I have always returned to Dior’s eyeliner. The consistency is not too creamy or firm and blends easily. It stays put all day, but can smudge if it’s obscenely hot outside. The brown color is very flattering and can make a dramatic eye appear a little tamer, but still gorgeous. It is a great eyeliner to have in your day to day routine, and would also work beautifully in your pageant makeup routine.

P.S. What are your favorite products this month? Tell me in the comment box below! :)